Mutations in the proteins of the nBAF complex have been linked to several intellectual disorders, including Coffin-Siris syndrome, Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome and sporadic autism. One of the key questions the team addressed is how mutations in components of the nBAF complex lead to cognitive impairments.

The team used mice bred with mutations in Baf53b. While this genetic modification did not affect the mice’s ability to learn, it did notably inhibit long-term memories from forming and severely impaired synaptic function.

“These findings present a whole new way to look at how long-term memories form,” said Prof Wood, who co-authored a paper in Nature Neuroscience.

“They also provide a mechanism by which mutations in the proteins of the nBAF complex may underlie the development of intellectual disability disorders characterized by significant cognitive impairments.”

How does this mechanism regulate gene expression required for long-term memory formation?

Most genes are tightly packaged by a chromatin structure – chromatin being what compacts DNA so that it fits inside the nucleus of a cell. That compaction mechanism represses gene expression. Baf53b, and the nBAF complex, physically open the chromatin structure so specific genes required for long-term memory formation are turned on. The mutated forms of Baf53b did not allow for this necessary gene expression.

“The results from this study reveal a powerful new mechanism that increases our understanding of how genes are regulated for memory formation,” Prof Wood said.

The researchers believe the discovery of this mechanism adds another piece to the puzzle in the ongoing effort to uncover the mysteries of memory and, potentially, certain intellectual disabilities.

“Our next step is to identify the key genes the nBAF complex regulates. With that information, we can begin to understand what can go wrong in intellectual disability disorders, which paves a path toward possible therapeutics.”